Factors related to loneliness amongst seniors

Like other groups, seniors feel lonely for various reasons. Diminishing health (Barstad & Sandvik, 2015), the loss of a partner and living alone (Thorsen & Clausen, 2017). Fear of disturbing busy family members are also factors associated with loneliness (Hagen, 2011; Greenhalgh et al., 2013). Studies, however, show that the size of seniors social network does not impact their feelings of loneliness. Whereas expectations do, and especially so the expectations of the quality of relations with family and close friends (Thorsen & Clausen, 2017; Greenhalgh et al., 2013).

Seniors using ICT report feeling less isolated due to the connections they make with relatives and friends

A meta-analysis of studies looking at the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) in reducing loneliness and social isolation, conclude that communication technology increases both the quality and quantity of contact between seniors and their loved ones. Moreover, mastering ICT products increases the seniors self-confidence. They feel “connected to information”, “young” and “part of the modern generation” (Chen et al., 2016; Ages 2.0, 2015).

Research furthermore shows that when ICT is used to maintain contact with family and friends it can lead to a decline in loneliness, depression and an increase in overall well-being. Video-calls have for example been shown to have long-term effects in alleviating both depressive symptoms and loneliness of residents in nursing homes (Tsai et al., 2010; Tsai et al., 2011).

Many seniors are unable to use generic communications technology

The literature suggests that seniors are part of the digital divide; a distinction made between those who do and those who do not adopt technology (Mitzner et al., 2010). At No Isolation, we estimate that as many as 15,6 million EU citizens 75 years and over are not online due to either physical barriers like visual impairment or lack of comfort with using technology. Generally, current literature shows that seniors are open to using technology, but that there are interface barriers to use (Vaportis, 2017, Geriatrisk sykepleie, 2018). Very few products are tailored for people with zero to limited digital skills, and they struggle with anything from buttons (Vaportis, 2017), too many features (Mitzner et al., 2010), safety concerns (Mitzner et al., 2010), or that touchscreen designs are incompatible for elderly users (Culén & Bratteteig, 2013). One study showed that after 4 months of learning how to use a tablet, half of the senior participants were still not able to perform specific tasks (Alvseike & Brønnick, 2012). As many seniors have little knowledge of technology and tablets, use is dependent on the care personnel taking responsibility and control over the activity (Geriatrisk sykepleie, 2018).

Literaturverzeichnis

Alvseike, H., & Brønnick, K. (2012). Feasibility of the iPad as a hub for smart house technology in the elderly; effects of cognition, self-efficacy, and technology experience. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare, 5, 299-306.

Eurostat. (2016). Estimate using ‘Frequency of contacts with family and relatives or friends by sex, age and educational attainment level [ilc_scp11]’ Eurostat and population number (75+) in the EU-28.

Nyqvist, F., Victor, C. R., Forsman, A. K. & Cattan, M. (2016). The association between social capital and loneliness in different age groups: a population-based study in Western Finland. BMC Public Health, 16, 542.